The purpose of this study is to determine whether a multi-component remote care model (telephone-based) is effective to achieve the modification of unhealthy eating practices and increase physical activity in adults who have prediabetes and over-weight/obesity. The effectiveness of the remote care model will be determined with respect to the mentioned practices as well as anthropometric parameters (Waist circumference and Weight) and clinical parameters (Fasting Glucose, Triglycerides, Total Cholesterol) which are sensitive to changes in these habits. The counseling intervention is the core of the multi-component tele-care model, which also includes counseling-through text messages, supply of Educational material and self-monitoring equipment (pedometers and measuring tape for patients to check their waist circumference).

Further study details as provided by Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile:

Primary Outcome Measures:

Change from baseline in Weight parameter [ Time Frame: baseline and post intervention (6 -9 months after the first phone counseling session) ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Patient's weight wil be measured in kilograms using scales.

Secondary Outcome Measures:

Change from Baseline in Self report of physical activity [ Time Frame: baseline and post intervention (6 -9 months after the first phone counseling session) ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

The level of physical activity reported by participants is measured using the Rapid Assessment Physical Activity Scale (RAPA; Tolpolski et al., 2006), in its version adapted for Chile. This instrument is made up by 9 dichotomous questions, which point to a physical activity level corresponding to the following categories: sedentary, under-active, under-active regular-light activities, under-active regular, and active, depending on the frequency and intensity of the physical activity done. The instrument adaptation process of the instrument is conducted as part of the present study.

Change from baseline in Fasting Glucose [ Time Frame: baseline and post intervention (6 -9 months after the first phone counseling session) ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Fasting Glucose will be measured through a blood sample. The samples will be processed by the Municipal Laboratory (Laboratorio Comunal), following the standard procedures established by their protocols:

Change from baseline in Self report of dietary practices [ Time Frame: baseline and post intervention (6 -9 months after the first phone counseling session) ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

The dietary practices reported by the participants will be measured with an instrument designed with this purpose in mind as part of the present study. The instrument is constituted by 17 items aimed at measuring the frequency of healthy and unhealthy eating. It was constructed on the basis of items present in the Diabetes Self Care Activities Measure (Toobert, Hampson, & Glasgow, 2000) and of others created by the Stanford Patient Education Research Center. Some of these items were used to measure dietary practices in Chilean populations diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus (Lange et al., 2010)

Change of baseline in Knowledge about prediabetes [ Time Frame: baseline and post intervention (6 -9 months after the first phone counseling session) ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

A self-report questionnaire was developed to measure patients' knowledge about prediabetes, the risk factors for its appearance, and its treatment (or management). Is is made up by 18 items in which the person must say whether the statement presented is true or false. In addition, the instrument measures the subjective perception of the risk of developing diabetes (one item).

Change of baseline in Waist circumference [ Time Frame: baseline and post intervention (6 -9 months after the first phone counseling session) ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Participants' waist circumference will be measured in centimeters using a measuring tape. The circumference will be measured at the highest part of the iliac crest (The Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Lifestyle approach, 2010)

A remote intervention based on counseling (telephone-based) will be implemented. This counseling intervention is the core of the multi-component model, which also includes counseling through text messages, the purveyance of educational material, and self-monitoring equipment (pedometer and measuring tape to check waist circumference).

Behavioral: Multicomponent remote care model

A remote intervention based on counseling (telephone-based) will be implemented. This counseling intervention is the core of the multi-component model, which also includes counseling through text messages, the purveyance of educational material, and self-monitoring equipment (pedometer and measuring tape to check waist circumference). The phone counseling is made by professionals working at health centers who have been trained to apply theories on behavioral change and decision-making. Phone counseling is conducted at least once a month. Messages are sent weekly and are related to the topics referred to in phone counseling sessions. The educational material and equipment -respectively- seek to provide additional information and foster the habit of self-monitoring progress and/or reversions in the change process.

Active Comparator: Usual care

Usual care from health centers consisting of medical indication of physical activity and healthy eating recommendations, as well as referral to Dietitian if appropriate, an invitation to participate in educational activities at health centers and periodic inspection appointments.

Other: Usual care

Usual care from health centers consisting of medical indication of physical activity and healthy eating recommendations, as well as referral to Dietitian if appropriate, an invitation to participate in educational activities at health centers and periodic inspection appointments

Presence of another pathology which, for the doctor assessing the patient (at the beginning of the intervention), can be a contraindications to participate in the program.

be pregnant

To belong to private health system (called ISAPRE).

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01671293